The Department of Environmental Affairs has moved to its new green premises.

The new head office will be located is located in Arcadia, Pretoria and will be fully operational by 1 August. The new “Environment House” building boasts, amongst other green elements, several energy efficient features which include compact fluorescent lights, environmentally friendly material and furniture, solar generated power for the facility and will demonstrate efficient resource use.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, marked the commencement of the construction of the new green building at a sod turning ceremony in July 2012. The design was given a 6 Green Star rating for office design by the Green Building Council of South Africa in May 2013.

According to the department, the building is a reflection of the government’s commitment towards a greener economy and environment as a whole.